New Honda engine is "noticeably" better according to Helmut Marko

Honda have placed the new-spec 4 engine in the back of the Red Bull during Friday practice and according to Helmut Marko, it is noticeably better. As a result of the inclusion, Max Verstappen will start the Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid.

During the most realistic practice session, Verstappen and Alex Albon finished 5th and 6th respectively. Looking at that statistic and nothing particularly special seems to be going on. However, the gap to Charles Leclerc at the top of the timesheets was less than four-tenths. And that was against a long run compared to the Ferrari drivers single-lap qualifying sim.

"The spec-4 does what it promised. The wing adjustment we use also looks good, so we are very satisfied with Monza standards," Marko told Motorsport-total.

Marko does not want to say exactly how much advantage the new engine brings, but it is "noticeable". With the predicted rain in sight, anything is possible. "Ferrari will be far ahead in qualifying, but in the race, I think they will not be that superior at all, just like in Spa."